With Paxton Lynch injured, Broncos may go back to Trevor Siemian

Broncos second-year quarterback Paxton Lynch suffered a right ankle injury during a 21-14 loss to the Raiders in Week 12 and was replaced by Trevor Siemian, who helped Denver launch a mini-comeback that fell just short.

Now coach Vance Joseph has a decision to make.

“I’m not sure,” Joseph said Sunday evening when asked if Siemian will start in Week 13. “We’ll watch the tape and see where we are. We’ll see where Paxton is with his injury and obviously, we’ll do what’s best for our football team next week.”

Lynch’s injury is “not serious,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. If that report is accurate, the former first-round pick will likely be healthy enough to play against the Dolphins next week, but the Broncos may decide to stick with Siemian.

Before his injury, Lynch went 9-14 for 41 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Siemian went 11-21 for 149 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in relief play.

It may not be as simple as choosing the quarterback that gives Denver the best chance to beat Miami, though. At 3-8, the Broncos are nearly eliminated from the playoffs so squeaking out a few wins and lowering their position in the draft may not be a priority.

The team may decide to have Lynch start the final five games of the season so they continue evaluating him. Expect a decision later this week.